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Published: 31 May 2022
ISBN: 9781761045936
Imprint: Penguin
Format: Paperback
Pages: 320
RRP: $19.99

Categories:

Children's fiction

What We All Saw

Mike Lucas

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Big W

'I loved everything about this book – its humour, its horror, its sublime storytelling.' VIKKI WAKEFIELD

Witches only exist in stories. Everyone knows that. But what if the stories are real?

FOUR FRIENDS. FOUR TRUTHS. ONE NIGHTMARE.

If you wander into the wood …
If you hear scratching sounds from the Old Quarry …
If you go too close to the edge …

WATCH. OUT.

Published: 31 May 2022
ISBN: 9781761045936
Imprint: Penguin
Format: Paperback
Pages: 320
RRP: $19.99

Categories:

Children's fiction

About the author

Mike Lucas

Mike Lucas is the author of several picture books including CBCA Notable Book Olivia's Voice. He has also written and published several books of humorous children's poetry, has had work highly commended in magazines and contributed to poetry anthologies. Mike is one of the main organisers of the Adelaide Festival of Children’s Books and an Honorary Member of the CBCA (SA). He presents writing and poetry workshops at schools, owns a bookshop in Blackwood, South Australia, and works as a full-time engineer. He doesn't sleep much. In 2022, Mike’s first YA novel What We All Saw was published and shortlisted for the Readings Book Prize 2022, CBCA Book of the Year Award 2023 and the Prime Minister’s Literary Award 2023.

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Praise for What We All Saw

I loved everything about this book – its humour, its horror, its sublime storytelling. What We All Saw honours the ties of childhood friendship, with shades of Stephen King’s “The Body” (Stand By Me) and the nostalgic feel of a retro classic.
Vikki Wakefield, author of THIS IS HOW WE CHANGE THE ENDING

A tense and atmospheric tale of childhood fears turned frighteningly real.
Sean Williams, author of HER PERILOUS MANSION

A delightfully creepy horror story for lower to middle secondary readers . . . Above all, this is a suspense-filled story that will enthral young readers who are interested in horror but are not quite ready for the likes of Stephen King.
Erin Wamala, Books+Publishing

What We All Saw is a story you may not want or be able to put down. It is gripping from start to finish.
Sue Mauger, Glam Adelaide

This YA debut by South Australian author Mike Lucas will have readers on edge as they follow the frightening journey of the children to uncover the truth. A wonderful read.
Kathryn Beilby, ReadPlus

Creepy and atmospheric, without feeling like a truly scary horror book, I really enjoyed the interwoven stories that pulled the history of the witch rumours together. The characters all had interesting backgrounds and the dynamics between them made their sometimes unlikely friendship the star of the story. There was plenty of witty banter to break up the seriousness of the situations they found themselves in too . . . I feel like this is a great intro to the Stephen King style horror for YA fans.
Jen, Book Book Owl

Folklore, horror, historical fact and friendship are all in the mix as four tweens try to figure out what really happened one night. Throw in a spooky house, a terrible secret and a shocking crime reveal and What We All Saw has everything I needed to hold me enthralled . . . As a fan of all things creepy, What We All Saw is right up there with the best. I’d love to see it in theatres to be freaked out all over again!
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